The Kitchen Island

 

Here is a great idea for your kitchen, especially if you’re remodeling it (even building one) or if you want more storage space in your kitchen. A kitchen island is an idea that has evolved from the old-fashioned kitchen table in the center of the kitchen. A kitchen island can do a lot for your kitchen remodeling or renovation project.

However, before you begin installing a kitchen island, you should consider your kitchen space and layout. Kitchen space determines placement of the kitchen island. The kitchen space will also determine size of island that will work best in your kitchen. Generally, designers prefer an island to be no bigger than 5×8 feet. Also, you don’t want your kitchen island disrupting the flow of your kitchen or getting in the way of a good working triangle. So you will need to properly plan out your kitchen design if you wish to include a kitchen island.

Planning your kitchen design with a kitchen island will also show you how feasible the idea is and if the kitchen island will be safe for the family. A functional island has a number of details. One of these is the size of the island. Designers suggest 36 inches between each edge of the island and the surrounding cabinetry, and 42 and 48 inches for areas where you cook or empty dishware. Also, where there is traffic or more than one cook, keep aisles between an island and base cabinets or dinning tables up to 60 inches wide.

Another detail to consider with a kitchen island is the inclusion of electrical receptacles, wiring, lighting, and accompanying plumbing. These built-in requirements are task related and affect flexibility when using the kitchen island (note: movable islands will not need electrical outlets).

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